Anne Hathaway's cottage

Stratford Upon Avon

Situated on the River Avon in the heart of England, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of England’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Visit this beautiful place to discover a charming town with a real sense of history.

Memory of Stratford-upon-Avon

“I have to admit to falling in love with this town... I love many English towns, but this comes out tops for me... there is just SO much character and antiquity here, everywhere you look.”

Jennifer, Sweden

Top attractions

Stratford-upon-Avon’s top attractions are without a doubt its Shakespeare-related properties. Explore
Shakespeare's Birthplace
for a fascinating insight into his childhood, the house where his daughter lived at
Hall’s Croft
, then see his final resting place at Holy Trinity Church. Along the way, don’t miss the fairy tale setting of his wife
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
, or the working Elizabethan
farm
where his mother, Mary Arden, lived.

Arts and culture

While you’re in Shakespeare’s hometown - Stratford-upon-Avon, why not see his dramatic works performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company? If you’re in the mood for music, watch the brilliant Orchestra of the Swan, the resident orchestra at
Stratford Arts House
, or for art, stop by the award winning
Compton Verney art gallery
.

Shakespeare for kids and families

As well as its literary connections, there’s a lot to see and do in and around Stratford. Cruise the River Avon on a
guided boat-tour
, explore the area by
hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses
, join one of the walking tours and discover some of Britain's finest historic houses and glorious gardens, or get hands on with clever gadgets at the
Mad Museum
. A little further afield, the spectacular medieval fortress of
Warwick Castle
has everything from jousting knights to haunted dungeons.

Eating and drinking

Whether you fancy afternoon tea, a pub lunch or classic cuisine, Stratford-upon-Avon has a restaurant or eatery to suit every taste and budget. Enjoy local organic fruit and vegetables, speciality cheeses, farm produce, and mouth-watering dishes prepared by some of Britain’s finest chefs. The Royal Shakespeare Society
restaurant and bar
offers fantastic food with great views over the surrounding countryside.

Shopping

Shopping in Stratford-upon-Avon is a delight. With choices ranging from gift shops to cheesemongers, jewellers to antique shops, boutiques to bookshops, you won’t go home empty handed. There is a weekly market on Fridays, as well as a regular farmers’ market, a craft market in the summer and a Christmas market.